Upper Eyelid Surgery in Turkey

Upper blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes excess skin, and sometimes small amounts of fat, from the upper eyelids. It is designed to correct the heavy, hooded look that develops as the skin around the eyes loses elasticity with age.

During the procedure, your surgeon makes a carefully planned incision along the natural crease of your upper eyelid. Through this incision, they remove the precise amount of excess skin that is causing the hooding. If there are small fat deposits contributing to puffiness, these can be removed or repositioned at the same time. The incision is then closed with fine sutures.

Upper blepharoplasty can address:

• Hooded upper eyelids that make you look tired or older
• Excess skin that folds over the eyelash line
• A heavy feeling or heaviness above the eyes
• Difficulty applying eye makeup due to excess skin
• Mild visual obstruction caused by severely drooping skin

The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes 45-90 minutes. Because the incision follows your natural crease, the resulting scar is virtually invisible once healed, even close up and without makeup.

This is a different procedure from a brow lift. Upper blepharoplasty addresses the eyelid skin itself, while a brow lift raises the position of the eyebrow. Your surgeon will advise which approach, or whether a combination, would give you the best result.

Upper blepharoplasty may be right for you if:

• You have excess or drooping skin on your upper eyelids that creates a hooded appearance
• Your upper eyelids make you look tired, heavy, or older than you feel
• Excess skin is affecting your ability to wear eye makeup comfortably
• In more severe cases, drooping skin is beginning to affect your peripheral vision
• You are in good general health and at least 18 years old
• You do not have uncontrolled dry eye, glaucoma, or other significant eye conditions
• You are a non-smoker, or willing to stop smoking at least 4 weeks before and after
• You have realistic expectations, the goal is a refreshed, natural-looking improvement

During your free consultation, your surgeon will assess your upper eyelids, discuss your goals, and determine the best approach. If a brow lift or combined procedure would serve you better, they will explain why.

Before Your Procedure

Your journey starts with a free, no-obligation consultation, online, by phone, or at one of our UK consultation days. You will discuss what bothers you about your upper eyelids and your surgeon will examine the skin laxity, fat distribution, and your eyebrow position.

Once you decide to proceed, you will receive a treatment plan and clear pre-procedure instructions. These include stopping blood-thinning medications and avoiding certain supplements for two weeks beforehand.

During Your Stay in Turkey

Your VIP transfer collects you from the airport and takes you to your 5-star hotel. The following day, you attend the hospital for pre-procedure assessments including blood tests and a detailed face-to-face consultation with your surgeon. Precise markings are made on your eyelids while you are sitting upright, to ensure accuracy.

Upper blepharoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes 45-90 minutes. Your surgeon removes the excess skin through incisions hidden in the natural crease. You will stay in hospital for observation with attentive nursing care.

After Your Procedure

You will have fine sutures along your eyelid creases and may have small adhesive strips for support. Cold compresses and prescribed eye drops help manage swelling. Before you fly home, your surgeon will see you for a follow-up check. Sutures are typically removed after 5-7 days. You will receive detailed aftercare instructions and have 12 months of support from your aftercare team.

Upper blepharoplasty has a relatively short recovery period. Most patients are surprised by how quickly they start to see results.

Day 1-2: Expect swelling and bruising around the upper eyelids. Your eyes may feel tight and slightly sore. Use prescribed cold compresses and eye drops regularly. Keep your head elevated, even when sleeping, to reduce swelling.

Day 3-5: Swelling peaks and then begins to improve. Bruising may spread slightly to the lower eyelids and under-eye area, this is normal and temporary. Avoid straining, bending forward, or any activity that raises blood pressure.

Day 5-7: Sutures are removed. You will start to see a noticeable improvement in the shape and openness of your eyes, even though some swelling remains. Most patients feel comfortable going out in public with sunglasses at this stage.

Week 2-3: Most visible swelling and bruising has resolved. You can return to work, social activities, and light exercise. Eye makeup can usually be applied from about day 14.

Month 1-3: Residual swelling fully settles and your final result becomes clear. The incision lines continue to fade until they are virtually invisible within the natural crease.

Upper blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures worldwide and carries a strong safety profile when performed by an experienced surgeon.

Common effects (expected and temporary):

• Swelling and bruising around the eyes, resolves within 1-3 weeks
• Tightness or mild discomfort, managed with standard pain relief
• Temporary dry eyes or increased tearing
• Sensitivity to light and wind for the first week

Less common considerations:

• Asymmetry, subtle differences between eyelids are common and usually settle during healing
• Under- or over-correction, your surgeon plans carefully to remove the right amount of skin
• Visible scarring, rare, as the incision sits within the natural crease
• Difficulty closing the eyes fully, temporary and resolves as swelling subsides
• Infection, uncommon, minimised through sterile hospital conditions

How your safety is managed: Your procedure is performed at a government-licensed, JCI-accredited hospital by a surgeon who specialises in facial procedures. You receive attentive post-operative nursing care and 12 months of included aftercare, ensuring your team monitors your healing and is available for any concerns.